Maria Antoinette Siegel

Maria Antoinette Siegel, age 93, of Gainesville, Florida passed away on Monday, August 21, 2023. Maria was born in Trenton, New Jersey, but lived most of her life as a resident of Tampa, Florida. She was an elementary education teacher and then Guidance Counselor for the Hillsborough County School System. She volunteered for many organizations including Optimist International, TPD Police Athletic League, American Legion, and Safe Kids/Children’s Services. She was a graduate of the University of South Florida, receiving her BA in Elementary Education and double Master's Degrees in Reading Specialist and Guidance Counseling.

Maria was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Siegel, Sr.; parents, Mario and Serafina St. Paul; sisters, Victoria, Angelina, and Josephine; and brother, Guy Anthony. Survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Siegel Pokorny; son, Lawrence Siegel, Jr.; son-in-law, William Pokorny; five grandsons, Bradley (Jill) Pokorny, Douglas (Morgan) Pokorny, Brett (Alejandra) Pokorny, Scott (Kate) Pokorny, Sam Siegel; and eight great-grandchildren. Maria spent the last 14 months of her life living with Elizabeth and William in their home in Gainesville, Florida. She was truly blessed and a blessing to her family.

A graveside service for Maria will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, August 27, 2023 in Myrtle Hill Memorial Park, 4228 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida.